There are two departments in Rhode Island that handle state vocational licensing — the State Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board, which regulates general contractor’s licenses, and the Department of Labor and Training, which regulates plumbing and electrical licenses. There are different requirements for each, and below you can find a comprehensive guide to becoming a licensed electrician in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Electrical License Reciprocity
Rhode Island does not offer reciprocity with any other state. You can submit an active out-of-state license and notarized letter from your previous employer to stand in for Rhode Island’s educational requirements.
Rhode Island Electrical Contractor
Rhode Island defines an electrical contractor as “any person qualified under this chapter, engaging in, or about to engage in, the business of installing, maintaining, servicing, and testing electrical wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, fire alarm and safety communication systems, and other electrical appliances, excluding low-voltage wiring for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment.” Those wishing to become electrical contractors in Rhode Island will need:
- A completed application;
- Six years of verified work experience;
- An active electrical journeyman’s license;
- A passing score on the electrical contractor’s exam.
Rhode Island Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
To become a licensed journeyman electrician in Rhode Island, you will need:
- A completed journeyman license application;
- An official government ID;
- A notarized statement from your present employer;
- Completion of an apprenticeship program;
- A passing score on the Rhode Island journeyman electrical exam.
Electrical Journeyman Exam
You can apply for the journeyman exam on the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training exam page. On this page you can also view their upcoming exam schedule, check your application status, and view your exam results. In order to take the exam, you must:
- Have a certificate of completion from an electrical apprenticeship;
- Verify you have at least four years of work experience;
- Complete 576 hours of electrical coursework — this can include apprenticeship hours.
A copy of the current national electrical code book is recommended as study material by the Department of Labor and Training.
Rhode Island Electrical Insurance Requirements
One of the benefits of becoming a licensed electrician in the state of Rhode Island is the ability to obtain commercial insurance and bonding. General liability insurance will protect you from costs associated with claims involving bodily injuries and property damage resulting from your products, services or operations.
Use the tool below to request a FREE insurance quote from our partner’s:
Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements
You will have to complete an apprenticeship program before you apply for your journeyman’s license. In order to become an electrical apprentice, you will need to register with the Department of Labor and Training Apprenticeship office. Those wishing to register will need:
- A Photo ID;
- A signed apprenticeship agreement;
- A work sponsor.
In order to receive a certificate of completion, you will need to complete 144 hours of electrical coursework as well as have all work hours and experiences signed off by your sponsor. There is a list of active apprentice occupations on the Labor and Training website.
Electrical Trade Schools in Rhode Island
You must complete 576 hours of coursework to be eligible for your journeyman’s license. Here are a few trade schools in Rhode Island where you can do so:
Lincoln Technical Institute
622 George Washington Hwy
Lincoln, RI 02865
Providence Career & Technical Academy
41 Fricker St, Providence
RI 02903
IYRS School of Technology and Trades
449 Thames St
Newport, RI 02840
Rhode Island Professional License Search
You can search for your license through the Division of Professional Regulation’s license search portal.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an Electrical Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Rhode Island, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
- Rhode Island General Contractor License Requirements
- How to Become a Plumber in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Handyman License Guide
- Rhode Island Welding Schools and Career Guide
- How to Get an HVAC License in Rhode Island
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